Earthquake Update

I am sure you have learned from the news of the horrible events that have occurred in Haiti as a result of a 7.0 magnitude earthquake there this week. We have experienced no physical effects here just 200 miles to the east. We were in our car so did not feel the quake. There were some tsunami warnings out for a few hours. We live less than a mile from the coast.

The church as usual is first on the scene with supplies and support but most especially information about the welfare of the missionaries and the members. All of the missionaries are safe and they are still trying to determine the welfare of the members with communication being difficult. Our neighbor across the hall is the area medical director and he leaves tomorrow morning with 4 other doctors to try and get into Haiti by road. They are hoping to take some supplies with them since the roads are badly damaged that access the ports. Many of the supplies that are being sent by ship in cargo containers cannot be off loaded and moved to the people that need them. So much will have to come by road through the DR. We understand there is a team of LDS physicians scheduled to come over the course of the next few weeks. Logistics is a big problem with food, water and shelter for the rescuers being part.
Of course, the biggest heartache is for those wonderful faithful saints here whose families are in Haiti and who do not know of their whereabouts or condition. The saints in Haiti are so humble and so faithful. We pray for their safety.

We encourage all to help through prayer and where possible, financially. The following website is a donation site for the purpose of directing 100% of all donations to the relief effort. There are no overhead or administration fees taken out so all of your donation goes to the people. The Church is extremely careful in making sure the supplies and food get to the people.

http://give.lds.org/emergencyresponse